Perseverance of the Saints

Introduction:

Perseverance of the saints is a logical conclusion to the doctrine of Calvinism. If salvation comes solely by God’s election, then it is necessary to conclude that the same individual who is helpless to save himself would also be helpless to refuse God’s election and so live as to be lost.

I.  The doctrine defined:

A.  God’s elect are not only given faith but are kept in the faith.

B.  Those who profess faith and then fall away were never in grace.

II.  Bible Texts used to uphold this doctrine:

A.  Calvinists believe Christians Cannot Sin: 1 Jn 3:9

1.  There are two key words in this passage:­ commit and cannot.

2.    These words literally mean, "cannot continue to PRACTICE sin"

3.    Christians do sin: 1 Jn 1:8-10; 2:1-2

B. Eternal Life Argument: Jn 3:16; 3:36; 5:24

1.    Eternal life is conditional upon our obedience to God's word prior to judgment: Heb 3:6,14

C.   Power Of God Argument: Jn 10:29; Rom 8:35-39

1.     Nothing can harm the Christian who submits to God and obeys His commandments.

2.     Romans 8:35­, 39 - This verse does not teach that we can never be separated from the salvation that is in Christ.

D.   If They Fall Away, They Weren't Saved In The First Place: 1 Jn 2:19

1.     The Bible clearly teaches a Christian can fall away

 III.  Implications if "eternal security" is true.

A.    Every Bible passage that says, "If you hold fast the word" must be deleted.

B.    All passages for watchfulness should be deleted.

C.   It lessens a Christian's fear of sin and lead to increased sin.

IV. A Scriptural refutation of "eternal Security"

  1. Children of God can:
    1. Fall from grace - Gal. 5:1-4,13
    2. Be led away with error - 2 Pet. 3:17
    3. Err from the truth - James 5:19-20
    4. Weak brother may perish - 1 Cor. 8:11
    5. Fall into condemnation - James 5:12
    6. Be moved away from the hope - Col. 1:21-23
    7. Deny the Lord who bought them - 2 Pet. 2:1
    8. Depart from the living God - Heb. 3:12
    9. Can be a castaway - 1 Cor. 9:27
    10. Can become accursed children - 2 Pet. 2:14
  2. Other scriptural arguments that refute "Eternal Security"
    1. 1 Cor. 15:58; 2 Pet. 1:5-11; Gal. 6:9; Rev. 2:10; Phil 4:9

Conclusion:

A.    Do you need to obey the gospel?